The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund is hosting the first ever meeting of regional PEC Fund coordinators from 15-17th July 2014 in Koror, Palau.

With 13 Forum Island Countries’ PEC Fund Project Coordinators in attendance, the meeting will focus on knowledge sharing as well as discussions on strengthening the sustainability of the solar power generation systems and salt water desalination systems.

“I am confident that this convening of PEC Fund Coordinators from all Forum Island Countries in the region is a step in the right direction. I believe we must all share experiences, so that we are able to learn from each other,” said Charles Obichiang, Palau’s Minister for Public Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce.

“While we all know that these types of sustainable development projects are vital in enhancing the livelihood of our people, we should be mindful that as we strive to implement these projects in our respective countries, we must ensure that the goal is long-term and benefits our people.

The meeting is also an opportunity for PEC Fund Project Coordinators to provide input on proposed concepts of potential future activities using remaining funds.

“At present, all participating FICs are implementing projects. The meeting of coordinators will be a timely one as it will be the first time PEC Fund coordinators or focal points convene and discuss the current and future PEC Fund,” says Alex Knox, Director, Strategic Partnership and Coordination at the Forum Secretariat.

In May of 2009, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders met with the Government of Japan at the 5th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM 5) in Hokkaido, Japan. At the PALM 5 Summit, Leaders issued the Islanders’ Hokkaido Declaration which reaffirmed Leaders’ commitment to collaborate and cooperate on a wide range of issues.

The PEC Fund is a commitment by the Government of Japan to provide ¥6.8billion (approximately US$66 million) to Forum Island Countries to tackle environmental issues. Each country is provided with an indicative allocation of USD$4million to support projects with a focus on the provision of solar power generation systems and seawater desalination plants or a combination of both. The fund is administered by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.